Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park May 2015 Hawaiian Cultural, After Dark in the Park and Other Events

An endangered honu‘ea hatchling makes tracks towards the ocean

Photo credit: Hawaii Island Hawksbill Turtle Recovery Project

News Release Date: May 4, 2015

Contact: Jessica Ferracane/Public Affairs Specialist, 808-985-6018

Hawaii National Park, Hawai'i – Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park continues its tradition of sharing Hawaiian culture and After Dark in the Park programs with the community and visitors in May. In addition, the Artist-in-Residence program returns, and it's time for the BioBlitz and Biodiversity & Cultural Festival. Mark the calendar for these upcoming events:

 

The exquisite featherwork of Rick Makanaaloha Kia‘imeaokekanaka San Nicolas, shows a feathered lei with shark tooth

Courtesy of Rick San Nicolas

Artist-in-Residence Returns. Join master of Hawaiian featherwork, Rick Makanaaloha Kia'imeaokekanaka San Nicolas, in his open studio. His featherwork replicates the work of ancient Hawaiian masters whose finely crafted regalia were worn by Hawaiian royalty and warriors. Made possible by the support of the non-profit National Parks Arts Foundation.
When: Monday - Friday, now through May 15, and Saturday, May 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: 1932 Administration Building (also called the 'Ōhi'a Wing)

Honu'ea: Endangered Hawksbill Sea Turtles of Hawai'i Island. Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park staff and volunteers have monitored and protected nesting endangered honu'ea (hawksbill turtles) and their habitat since 1989. These sea turtles are critically endangered and only 129 nesting females have ever been documented. Join Lauren Kurpita, coordinator for the Hawai'i Island Hawksbill Turtle Recovery Project, who will present the difference between hawksbill and green sea turtle species, threats to hawksbills, and conservation efforts to help protect this amazing species from extinction. Part of Hawai'i Volcanoes' ongoing After Dark in the Park series. Free.
When: Tues., May 12 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium

BioBlitz and Biodiversity & Cultural Festival. Join National Geographic and the National Park Service for a two-day race to count as many species of plants and animals as possible, and celebrate Hawaiian culture! During the free, two-day event, teams of scientists, Hawaiian cultural practitioners, students and the public will join forces to discover and inventory living plants and creatures in the park. Expert-led inventory teams will explore, record and celebrate the biodiversity that thrives in recent lava flows and native rainforests, from the coastline to the summit of Kīlauea Volcano. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com/bioblitz or call [phone] ext. 6186.
When: BioBlitz Opening Ceremony is Fri., May 15 at 11:30 a.m. Biodiversity & Cultural Festival is Fri., May 15 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sat., May 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
BioBlitz Closing Ceremony is Sat., May 16 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Kahua Hula overlooking Halema'uma'u Crater near Kīlauea Visitor Center

Hū, or Kukui Nut Top, Demonstration. Early Hawaiians devoted much of their time to games, amusements, and relaxing. Top-spinning was an absorbing activity for children, and making hū (kukui nut top) was equally engaging. The game top is spun by a stem inserted in the top of a mature kukui nut. Join staff from Hawai'i Pacific Parks Association as they share their knowledge and love of this traditional art. Part of Hawai'i Volcanoes' ongoing 'Ike Hana No'eau "Experience the Skillful Work" workshops. Free.
When: Wed., May 13 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai

Kai Ho'opi'i in Concert. Come enjoy an evening of Hawaiian music through the sweet voice of Kai Ho'opi'i, who shares the music of his 'ohana from Kahakuloa, Maui. Kai is a winner of the Aloha Festivals Hawaiian falsetto signing contest. Part of Hawai'i Volcanoes' ongoing Nā Leo Manu "Heavenly Voices" presentations. Free.
When: Wed., May 20 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium

Hawaiian Artifacts. Join park volunteer Rick LaMontagne as he demonstrates his skills in recreating Hawaiian implements and tools used by generations of Hawaiians. Born and raised on the island of O'ahu, Rick relocated to Hawai'i Island in 2008, and currently resides in the Volcano area. He has a deep interest in all things Hawaiian and calls himself an amateur crafter. Part of Hawai'i Volcanoes' ongoing 'Ike Hana No'eau "Experience the Skillful Work" workshops. Free.
When: Wed., May 27 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai

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